How to Remove Oil Stain on Sweater

Question

I splattered canola oil on my new cotton and linen sweater. How can I remove the stain? -- Tami Chernin, Ramat Beit Shemest, Israel

Answer

If you can get to the spot immediately, pat artificial sweetener, flour or talcum powder on both sides of the fabric to absorb the oil. Then, for any garment that is washable, pretreat with a liquid dishwashing detergent designed to cut grease. Dab some on, let stand for several minutes and launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. Repeat if necessary. (Be sure not to put it in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.)

The stubborn stain remains? Try a dry cleaning solvent (available at supermarkets, as well as houseware and hardware stores).

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